PENNSYLVANIA – Before the arrival of European settlers, the land we now call Pennsylvania was a tapestry of Native American territories, each woven with unique linguistic and cultural threads. The Lenape people, whose ancestral homeland, Lenapehoking, stretched across much of the present-day Mid-Atlantic region, had their own names for the rivers, mountains, and valleys that shaped their world.
Pennsylvania: Echoes of Lenapehoking and the Penn’s Woods Legacy
Philadelphia, the bustling metropolis we know today, was once known as “Shackamaxon,” meaning “the place of eels” in the Lenape language – a testament to the abundance of this fish in the nearby Delaware River. The Schuylkill River, winding its way through southeastern Pennsylvania, bore the evocative name “Ganshowehanne,” or “hidden river,” a nod to its meandering course through lush forests. The majestic Allegheny Mountains, a defining feature of the state’s western landscape, were known to the Lenape as “Alligewi,” or “fair river.”
Beyond these prominent examples, countless other Native American place names once graced the Pennsylvania landscape, each echoing the stories, traditions, and deep connection to the land held by its indigenous inhabitants. The Susquehanna River, a vital waterway coursing through the heart of the state, owes its name to the Susquehannock people, an Iroquoian-speaking tribe whose name translates to “people of the muddy river.”
The arrival of William Penn in 1681 marked a turning point in the region’s history. Penn, a Quaker leader, received a vast land grant from King Charles II and christened it “Pennsylvania,” meaning “Penn’s Woods,” a tribute to his father, Admiral Sir William Penn. While this name has become synonymous with the state’s identity, it’s crucial to remember the vibrant tapestry of Indigenous names that preceded it.
Today, efforts are underway to recognize and revitalize Native American languages and place names across Pennsylvania. Initiatives aim to educate the public about the original names of rivers, mountains, and towns and to incorporate these names into official signage and maps. This represents an important step towards acknowledging the enduring legacy of the Native American communities who first called this land home.
By honoring and celebrating Pennsylvania’s Indigenous place names, we pay tribute to the land’s deep history and cultural richness. We acknowledge the profound connection between the Native American people and the landscapes they inhabited for centuries and weave their stories back into the fabric of our understanding of this place we call Pennsylvania.
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